Max Scherzer is ‘completely healthy’ in pursuit of a World Series championship with the Blue Jays

Max Scherzer’s World Series Journey

LOS ANGELES — Since 2019, Max Scherzer has suited up for five different teams, three of which have made it to the World Series.

Having secured championships with the Nationals and Rangers already, Scherzer is looking to add to his collection. He’s set to pitch against the Dodgers in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night.

The 41-year-old Scherzer, who has faced numerous challenges this October, is eager for this moment. He will be making World Series history by starting for his fourth team—he also played for the Tigers in the 2012 series against the Giants.

Unlike Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly, who is in his first World Series after a long career, Scherzer reflects on his journey with gratitude. “When I think about everything that has happened in my life, I feel really lucky to get another shot at this,” he shared. “There are many great players who haven’t been here, and Donnie’s finally joining us after his long career.”

This World Series has already showcased impressive pitching. In Game 2, Dodgers’ right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a complete game, retiring the last 20 batters he faced, tying the series at 1-1.

In addition to Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ rotation includes Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Shohei Ohtani, forming a strong lineup of pitchers.

Scherzer, who signed a one-year deal worth $15.5 million last winter, mentioned that his decision to join the Blue Jays was influenced by former Mets teammate Chris Bassitt. “Chris knows what this team and clubhouse need, and we had great talks in the offseason. Once things started falling into place, it really clicked for me,” said Scherzer. “I just needed to make a few adjustments.”

This season, Scherzer started 17 games for the Blue Jays, finishing with a 5.19 ERA. He faced some injury setbacks early on, spending almost three months on the injured list due to a right thumb issue.

Despite finishing the regular season with a 9.00 ERA in his last six starts, he had a standout performance in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Mariners, allowing just two earned runs in over five innings.

Scherzer feels rejuvenated heading into this game, thanks to the three-week break before it. “It was crucial for me to get healthy and recover from all the little setbacks I had. I really utilized that time to feel ready for Game 3,” he explained.

He last started a World Series game with the Rangers in 2023 but had to leave after three innings due to back tightness, a disappointment he says hasn’t impacted his current mindset.